McAlpine welcomes £500m business fund

MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed a £500m business fund unveiled by Nicola Sturgeon in this week’s Programme for Government.

Joan, who convenes the Scottish Parliament’s Europe Committee said that a renewed focus on bolstering the economy was needed to combat the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

The fund will offer individual investment guarantees, and some loans, of up to £5m to small and medium sized firms who would otherwise be unable to grow because of a lack of investment finance

The First Minister announced a raft of other measures to bolster the economy – including a £100m capital stimulus programme.

As well as the economy, making our education system the best in the world will be another key focus of the SNP government – with pilot schemes to reduce childcare costs for low income families and empowering schools to raise attainment among the initiatives outlined this week.

Commenting, the South Scotland MSP said:

“The opposition parties have been complaining that the SNP are focussing on independence, but I think it is they who seem obsessed.

“This programme for government proves beyond doubt that we are ‘getting on with the job.’

“The SNP is focused on creating a more prosperous country with opportunities for all – and also mindful of the need to alleviate the uncertainty caused by the disastrous Brexit vote caused by the Tories.

“Education and the economy are the backbone of the country – I’m sure we can all agree on that.

“The measures outlined in this week Programme for Government are to be welcomed.”

The United Nations' Special Rapporteur had this to say on how the UK Govt approaches poverty: “British compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited, and often callous approach." https://t.co/vYdESbMuyV